Phil DiStefano's support a critical part of Bolder Boulder success

CU Chancellor drew up a memorandum to keep finish line at Folsom Field

By Brian Howell

Staff Writer

Posted:
05/27/2018 07:00:00 AM MDT

University of Colorado Chancellor Phil DiStefano was the official Bolder Boulder starter in 2015. (Paul Aiken / Staff Photographer)

When the Bolder Boulder and the University of Colorado agreed in 1981 to move the finish line of the race to Folsom Field, it marked a significant moment in the event's history.

Race founder Steve Bosley believes the memorializing of that move, in 2006, was equally important, and he credits CU Chancellor Phil DiStefano for making it happen.

"At a point in time he was critical and ongoing he is, with his support," Bosley said. "He continues to be a supporter of the partnership."

Bosley worked with former CU athletic director Eddie Crowder and president Arnold Weber to move the finish line to Folsom Field and kick-start the partnership between the two.

The agreement was never put on paper, however. So, in 2006, DiStefano, then interim chancellor, drew up a memorandum of understanding. It was done to not only memorialize the agreement, but to "serve as a guide to future decisions in the ongoing relationship, by the leadership of the University of Colorado and the Bolder Boulder."

Bosley said that my not seem like much to most people, but to him, "That was a big move."

From that point, DiStefano has been a strong supporter of not only the Bolder Boulder, but the partnership between the two parties.

"To me, it seemed a natural fit," DiStefano said of memorializing the agreement in 2006. "It's a great partnership with the university and the Bolder Boulder."

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Along with CU president Bruce Benson, DiStefano co-sponsors a breakfast and lunch on the day of the race at Folsom. In 2015, DiStefano, who has worked at CU for nearly 45 years, was chosen as the official race starter.

"That was fantastic," he said. "It was a great experience."

Over the years, DiStefano has enjoyed watching the elite runners compete and seeing so many veterans honored. Through it all, the Bolder Boulder has become significant to him.

"Personally, it shows what this community is all about and how, if you think about it ... many times these kinds of races or events don't last 40 years," he said. "To me it really shows the community support of this and the people in the community, not only in the Boulder community and Colorado but also out of state."

As he did in 2006, DiStefano also recognizes what the Bolder Boulder means to CU.

"It's the opportunity for us the show off this great university, this beautiful university," he said. "We don't get that many rain days on Memorial Day and it's usually a day that people enjoy and they end up on campus.

"We get to see almost 100,000 people on Memorial Day, 50,000 in the stadium, 50,000 or so running. Many of those individuals have never been on campus before. It gives them an opportunity to come to our campus, one of the most beautiful campuses in the country, and spend the day with us. It's something that I really cherish, this partnership with the Bolder Boulder."

Although Bosley was hesitant of the partnership at first, because he worried CU might take over too much control of the event, he cherishes the relationship between the two, as well. He's thankful to DiStefano for drawing up the memorandum of understanding, which includes accounts of 1981 from Bosley and Crowder.

"I thought it was really forward-looking," Bosley said.

Despite never running in the event, DiStefano has become a significant figure in its history. He hasn't ruled out participating some day, either.

"Maybe before I retire I will," he said. "I'd probably do more walking than running."

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